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NUNAVUT - The Nunavut Literacy Council announced that the territory won this year's Read for 15 Challenge. The annual competition pits readers in Nunavut against readers in the NWT. Nunavut earned bragging rights by recording the highest number of readers on Sept. 30 during Literacy Week.

Calvin Noah, left, and Barney Nanoolook had a great time teaming up to read during Literacy Week activities in Baker Lake earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Craig Vincent

Nunavut had a participation rate of 27 per cent in the challenge. The NWT came in closely behind with a participation rate of 23 per cent.

A total of 7,855 Nunavummiut out of a total population of 29,475 participated in this year's challenge. In the NWT, 9,742 people out of the total population of approximately 43,000 read for 15 minutes.

The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission held an internal challenge. Employees from the NWT challenged Nunavut employees to see who could get the highest number of employees to participate. All employees present on Sept. 30 in both territories participated.

"We've been doing this challenge for so long that for most schools and community-based organizations it's become a regular event," said literacy council executive director Kim Crockatt. "So, our participation rate is quite high."

The Clyde River learning centre hosted a two-hour drop-in party. New library books were on display and activities, crafts and snacks were offered, reported adult educator Matthew Bouchard. Students who attend the college and a number of community members joined in. About two dozen readers signed up for the contest tally after reading for 15 minutes or more.

Staff at Quluaq school in Clyde River held special events in the library where students had fun reading as a group in the library.

"Everybody in the school read for 15 minutes during the day," said teacher Deborah Tobin. "All the teachers and students."

The effort to promote literacy continues at the school, Tobin said. Prizes furnished by the literacy council, such as writing materials and books by beloved Canadian author Robert Munsch, are being used by the teachers to reward and inspire elementary students who log books they have read at home.